FBR may be forced to announce extension of tax return deadline amid technical issues

Despite repeated warnings from the tax authority that the deadline for the submission of tax returns will not be extended, latest reports suggest that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) may be forced to extend the deadline for some filers due to an issue in the IRIS system.

IRIS is an online portal from the FBR used by taxpayers to submit returns.

Recently, the business community has also complained that they are facing issues with the IRIS website and demanded the deadline should be pushed further, however, the FBR ruled out the possibility’ and stated that the last date for filing tax returns will not be extended.

According to sources within the FBR, the last date for filing returns is now expected to be extended by two weeks for individuals, associations of persons, businessmen, and companies.

Those who are facing issues may be able to get an extension owing to their specific reasons, however, the official deadline will not be pushed beyond September 30 for the entire country.

This means the two weeks’ extension, if announced, may not be for everyone.

The tax authority is considering extending the deadline after the business community, during their meeting with the army chief, suggested that the FBR should create convenience for businessmen rather than difficulties.

Earlier, filers and business owners demanded that the last date for filing annual tax returns be extended to at least October 15 so that maximum tax returns could be filed and difficulties faced by taxpayers could be eased.